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HRH The Prince of Wales Radiates Warmth and Encouragement: Championing Youth Empowerment and Community-Led Change

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HRH The Prince of Wales Radiates Warmth and Encouragement: Championing Youth Empowerment and Community-Led Change

HRH The Prince of Wales, Prince William, brought his characteristic warmth and genuine enthusiasm to a vibrant community hub in north London, connecting directly with young people whose lives are being uplifted and transformed through dedicated support from BBC Children in Need. The future king journeyed to the Ubele Initiative at the Wolves Lane Centre in Wood Green, a thriving space dedicated to nurturing sustainability, creativity, and intergenerational strength within Black and minoritised communities. There, he immersed himself in the inspiring stories and hands-on work of youth-led social action projects funded by the groundbreaking We Move FWD programme—a bold 10-year partnership between BBC Children in Need and BBC Radio 1Xtra that is investing millions to open doors, build confidence, develop leadership and enterprise skills, and create real pathways to opportunity for Black children and young people across the UK.

Founded in 2014, Ubele works collaboratively with community leaders, groups, and organisations to strengthen sustainability, resilience, and voice through enterprise development, asset building, advocacy for equity and justice, and intergenerational leadership programmes. Its values—collaborative, community-rooted, enabling, experiential, innovative, and intergenerational—drive impactful work, including distributing millions in funding, research on community needs (e.g., Covid-19 impacts), and events. At the Wolves Lane Centre, Ubele operates vibrant greenhouses and gardens cultivating African and Caribbean produce alongside cultural and creative spaces that foster environmental awareness, skills-building, and community regeneration.

Prince William took on the role of spotlighting and lending royal endorsement to BBC Children in Need’s We Move FWD programme during his visit—a landmark 10-year commitment (in partnership with BBC Radio 1Xtra) investing over £4 million in more than 60 ethnic minority-led youth projects. The programme creates opportunities for Black children and young people through youth-led social action, leadership development, enterprise, media skills, and the upcoming We Move FWD Academy (launching later in 2026), which will link young people with brands and employers for practical career pathways. The aim of the engagement was to demonstrate how sustained, community-rooted funding addresses barriers, builds confidence, and enables young changemakers to thrive, with the Prince actively participating to underscore the value of these grassroots efforts.

HRH Prince William arrived in the morning at the Wolves Lane Centre in energised and in high spirits. He began with group photos and brief chats with Ubele staff, including Programme Lead for Young Immersion Leaders Christina Oredeko (32). He moved to one of the greenhouses for hands-on gardening with young people from the Humber All Nations Alliance (HANA)—a Hull-based group serving Black, Asian, and minority ethnic communities through allotments, food banks, breakfast clubs, and support services.

The young gardeners included Seyi (13), Desiree (14), Jemima (14), and Imisi (12). Master grower Paulette Henry from Black Rootz (the UK’s first multigenerational growing project) led the session, inviting the Prince to pot perennials and vegetables (including mint and a three-cornered leek intended as a gift for King Charles III). He declined gloves, got hands-on, tasted a salt bush leaf, and discussed outdoor activities, climate awareness, and the benefits of growing one’s own food. Big Zuu (rapper, presenter, and former youth worker, real name Zuhair Hassan) joined the potting and shared laughs. The Prince potted a female kiwi plant and gifted it to Yvonne Field, Ubele’s CEO, to pair with an existing male plant, joking it would be “the most resilient kiwi around here!” He expressed surprise at the young people’s enthusiasm for sport and outdoors over screens: “It’s usually TV, phones or social media.”

Next, he viewed a photography exhibition in the greenhouse featuring work by Jeremiah (16) and Elijah (14) from the Society for the Advancement of Black Arts (SABA) in north-west London. The teenagers, mentored by award-winning photographer Aneesa Dawoojee, gave him a tour, discussing camera techniques, the value of their art, and being believed in. Elijah called it “a blessing, truly inspiring,” noting it motivates them to “push yourself further” Jeremiah added that the Prince’s interest gives their work “worthwhile value” and makes the experience “so memorable for years to come.”

He then sat with members of the Thurrock African Group and radio presenter Richie Brave to discuss their community radio and podcast projects, which build media skills and inspire broadcasting careers. The Prince emphasised open dialogue:

“We have lost the art of debating. Everyone wants to fire off a quick text on social media. For me, talking about stuff is always the best way. If you don’t talk about it, we bottle it up and it’s always worse.” “We are only a community if we listen to everyone. You think you know how everyone lives, but you don’t, it’s really important.”

The visit culminated in a roundtable discussion on career pathways, barriers faced by young Black people, and the school-to-employment gap. Participants included Big Zuu, young changemakers, and Alex Holmes OBE, Director of We Move FWD at BBC Children in Need. Big Zuu noted the significance of the Prince’s engagement:

“The fact that we got Prince William here asking how we can make change. shows that we are maybe being heard by the elite… at least we have got his ear.” Holmes highlighted: “When young people have somewhere to go, something to do and someone who believes in them, they thrive… We’ve seen extraordinary youth-led social action.”

Before departure, William engaged in selfies and casual conversations. On the way out, Christina Oredeko mentioned her family lives in Windsor (near his “forever home,” Forest Lodge). He playfully responded: “Are you inviting your family to stay? Should we talk diaries and work out timings?” He added with a laugh, “It’s not the maddest question I’ve ever been asked!” and asked for more details about their location (prompting a humorous “Do you know B&M?” interjection).

In a moment that captured the heart of true leadership, Prince William emerged not merely as a royal visitor, but as a deeply passionate and authentic champion for youth empowerment—his sleeves rolled up, his genuine curiosity shining through every conversation, and his heartfelt belief in their potential radiating warmth and encouragement that touched every young person he met. With hands dirtied from planting alongside teenagers and eyes lighting up at their creativity, he ignited a spark of hope, self-belief, and boundless possibility, showing that real change begins when someone in power truly listens, believes, and stands beside you.

All the young participants responded with pure, electric joy and inspiration: Elijah described the encounter as “a blessing truly… truly inspiring,” one that made him want to “push yourself further… break boundaries,” while Jeremiah felt their art suddenly carried profound “worth… value” and would remain “memorable… for years to come.” Others called it “crazy” and unforgettable, with one young person beaming that the future king’s presence “gives us a voice and makes us feel worthy.” In those shared laughs, thoughtful exchanges, and moments of connection, Prince William proved himself an unstoppable motivating force—proving that when a leader shows up with open heart and unwavering commitment, entire futures can brighten, dreams gain momentum, and a new generation rises with confidence to shape the world they deserve.

 

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